Okutoyi, Wanjala lead Kenya to victory Over Burundi in straight sets
Kenya’s top singles players continued their strong performance in the ongoing Africa Group 3 Billie Jean King Cup Qualification matches with a 2-0 victory over fellow East Africans Burundi yesterday at the Nairobi Club.
Angella Okutoyi and Cynthia Wanjala won their matches in straight sets to take an early lead in the pool. Kenya, seeded fourth in the tournament, is angling for qualification to the prestigious Group 2.
In the first rubber, Cynthia Wanjala secured her second win in three matches with a score of 6-4, 6-1 against Hozianne Kitambala at centre court. The first set was tight, with both players exchanging scores and engaging in occasional long rallies that excited the crowd. However, Wanjala seemed to close out better.
The second set saw Kitambala struggle as Wanjala upped her game. The Burundian made numerous errors under pressure from Wanjala, who was more mobile around the net and delivered powerful strokes and good service games. Kitambala’s situation worsened when Wanjala achieved a double break (4-2) lead, taking command in all aspects.
Okutoyi then took on traditional rival and African heavyweight Sada Nahimana in another singles duel, which ended in favor of the Kenyan with a 6-4, 6-4 straight sets score. Both sets were closely contested, but Okutoyi, the reigning African Champion, found solutions to break Nahimana’s serve and secure the win.
The first set featured high-level tennis from both players. Okutoyi remained unfazed even when Nahimana played impressively. Nahimana, based in the US, was relentless and played well, but Okutoyi switched to top gear to prove her stature.
In the latter stages, Nahimana lost her serve, allowing the determined Okutoyi to take full advantage. Although occasionally challenged by Nahimana’s enterprising play, Okutoyi maintained focus on her side of the net and closed the match with a perfect serve. She has now won three matches, defeating opponents from Mauritius, Tunisia, and Burundi, without dropping a set.
